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 The suit, filed in federal court in California by one current and
two former fighters, aims to establish a class of fighters who have
performed at any UFC event held or broadcast in the United States.
"Through a series of anticompetitive, illicit, and exclusionary
acts, the UFC has illegally acquired, enhanced, and maintained
dominant positions in the markets," the lawsuit said. "As a result
of this scheme, UFC Fighters are paid a fraction of what they would
earn in a competitive marketplace."
The complaint estimated that UFC's parent company, Zuffa LLC, which
is also named as a defendant, currently sees annual revenues
exceeding $500 million.
The UFC said in a statement that it was aware of the suit, but it
had neither been served nor reviewed the filing.
"The UFC will vigorously defend itself and its business practices,"
the statement said.
Plaintiff Cung Le, a middleweight in the league whose suspension
over testing positive for outsize levels of human growth hormone was
rescinded in October, told ESPN, "They control our career, and
that's a choice we as fighters should have. And we don't have that
choice."
Former fighters Jon Fitch and Nate Quarry are also plaintiffs in the
case.
The complaint said that the UFC also has intimidated and threatened
fighters that attempt to work with rival firms or who criticize the
league.
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The complaint said that in one instance, UFC fighter B.J. Penn told
the league he planned to sign with another promotion company for
higher pay after winning a welterweight title fight.
UFC President Dana White then allegedly called Penn, saying, "You'll
never fight in the UFC again! You're finished. You're scorched
earth, motherf***er."
The suit seeks money damages, including additional payment fighters
could have received from other mixed martial arts businesses, and an
injunction against the alleged anticompetitive actions of the UFC.
(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Larry
King)
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